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Jeffrey J. Warren Bioinorganic chemist

Jeffrey J. Warren and his research group enjoy driving their cars, but are deeply concerned about the long-term effects of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. To that end, Warren is interested in developing new technologies that can be used to store energy from sunlight in the form of chemical bonds. One strategy is to “split” water into dihydrogen and dioxygen. However, it is still difficult to find a hydrogen filling station. Warren is also interested in converting carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide. The latter product can be combined with dihydrogen to produce hydrocarbon (gasoline) fuel, which can be delivered to our many existing gas stations. In order to carry out this cascade of reactions, Jeff’s student colleagues are developing materials to be used in electrochemical devices. Many of the materials that they are studying are inspired by Nature’s ability to carry out related chemistry. For example, they are actively investigating porphyrin-based catalysts that are derived from natural heme molecules. Warren’s passion for redox chemistry began in 2003 as an undergraduate researcher where he and his colleagues were investigating redox chemistry in white blood cells. His passion for discovery continues unabated and he is excited to now have the opportunity to train a new generation of scientists.